This week, tech giant Microsoft has entered into a patent licensing agreement with Motorola Solutions, a provider of communication solutions for enterprise and government customers. This new license provides worldwide coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio for Motorola Solutions' devices running the Android platform and Chrome OS operating system.

"Microsoft and Motorola Solutions share a respect for intellectual property and a commitment to fair and reasonable patent licensing programs," said Nick Psyhogeos, general manager, associate general counsel, IP licensing of the Innovation and Intellectual Property Group at Microsoft, in a statement.

But, this isn’t the Motorola that first comes to most people’s minds. It is actually the other half of the old Motorola that was left after Google acquired the company's consumer device business. Although Motorola Solutions is no longer in the business of selling mainstream handsets through major mobile carriers, it still offers a variety of specialized mobile devices for enterprises, providing communications systems to government and public-safety customers.

"Microsoft prefers licensing to litigation, since licensing is a more effective way to share technology and accelerate the pace of innovation," said Psyhogeos.

Since 2003, when Microsoft launched its IP licensing program, the company has entered into over 1,100 licensing agreements. This program was created to provide access to Microsoft's research and development investments and patent and IP portfolio. In fact, Microsoft's patent licensing program for Android device-makers has resulted in signed license agreements with companies including Samsung, ZTE, LG, HTC, Acer and Barnes & Noble.